For aviation workers, where you live can be a huge factor during a job search. While you’re free to submit applications to any employer from any corner of the country, living in certain cities or metros significantly increases your chances of not only landing that dream job but also getting potentially a hirer payrate and a great work-life balance.

Here we look at some of the best cities to consider during your job search. Compared to other locations, these cities guarantee plenty of aviation jobs, higher average salaries, and lower costs of living.

1. Cincinnati, Ohio

At the very top of the list is Cincinnati, Ohio. According to Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC), Ohio has, by far, the highest number of aviation workers in the US. It also boasts the highest prospect of employment growth within the airline sector. The state ranks 3rd on overall attractiveness among aviation companies. Regarding the cost of living, Ohio is ranked 14th in the US, with a cost-of-living index score of 92.7.

1. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, Michigan is also a very attractive city for both aviation employers and employees. The state comes 3rd on PwC’s industry size ranking, which is lower than Ohio and Pennsylvania. But, what sets Michigan apart is the low cost of living. Michigan has the third-lowest cost of living in the US, with a cost-of-living index score of 89.5 – the lowest on this list. The city ranks 2nd in overall attractiveness among aviation companies.

1. Newark, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has the 2nd largest aviation industry in the US, making it another top destination for aviation job seekers. Newark is a very attractive HUB for aviation. Unfortunately, high taxes mean that the cost of living in the Keystone state is rather high. The latest figures show that Pennsylvania has a cost-of-living index of 102.1, putting it at position 35 on the national ease-of-living list. Among aviation companies, it’s the 18th most attractive place to do business. 

1. Pensacola, Florida

Another very popular destination among aviation job seekers and companies, Florida has the 5th-largest aviation industry. But what makes Pensacola and other Florida cities truly special is the low operating costs. Aviation companies in the city pay the lowest taxes, which perhaps explains why the state is ranked as the most attractive among aviation companies. The cost-of-living index of 100.4 puts the Sunshine city at position 30 on the ease-of-living ranking.

1. Dallas, Texas

With all the major aerospace players, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, L-3, and Bell-Helicopter all having a presence in Texas, the Lonestar state should also be high on every aviation jobseeker’s shortlist. Indeed, the state has the 4th-largest aviation market in the US and ranks 8th in attractiveness among aviation companies. It has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 – the 4th-best in the country.

1. Seattle, Washington

Boasting the 7th-largest aviation market in the US, Washington isn’t a pushover either. Like Pennsylvania, the high taxes make the state a little less attractive among aviation companies and jobseekers. Washington is currently ranked 12th in attractiveness among aviation investors. It also has a rather high cost-of-living index (106.1), which puts it in position 37 on the ease-of-living list.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Finally, aviation job seekers are also encouraged to seek opportunities in Massachusetts, especially Boston. Though the aviation market is smaller here (10th on the PwC ranking), there are still many companies operating throughout the state. Massachusetts ranks 21st in attractiveness among aviation companies and has a cost-of-living index of 129.4 – the 46th best in the US.  

Other Options

Louisville in Kentucky, Baltimore in Maryland, and Denver in Colorado are other top aviation cities worth considering.